No rush for Martin

Brian Snow

10/09/2012

Five-star power forward Jarell Martin has some high powered coaches at his open gyms, but is in no hurry to make a decision.

Five-star power forward Jarell Martin isn't going to be in a hurry when it comes to his college decision. The 6-foot-8 Baton Rouge (La.) Madison Prep product was excellent this summer, and is now taking his time sorting through his college options.

According to Madison Prep head coach Jeff Jones, Martin has really been on top of his game so far this fall.

"He is looking pretty good so far," said Jones. "He is kind of riding the wave of the success he had this summer. He has come back a lot more confident and a lot more vocal. Jarell has put on muscle, is stronger, and has grown another inch, and overall just looks improved and is doing a great job for us."

Recruiting wise it is no surprise that numerous high level head coaches have made sure to be in the gym evaluating and recruiting Martin.

"We haven't set up any official visits yet," said Jones. "We are looking to set those up in the next month or so. Jarell expressed to me that he wants to sign late so there is no rush to set up the official visits."

New LSU Head Coach Johnny Jones knows the importance of keeping Martin close to home, and is doing everything he can to make up for lost time when recruiting him.

"Coach Jones and Coach (Robert) Kirby have done a great job of being consistent and persistent and made it very clear that Jarell is a big priority for them," said Jones of LSU. "They have done a good job. He definitely knows where he stands in regards to them and their situation."

A school that has been involved for a while is Alabama. Head Coach Anthony Grant has put in a lot of time recruiting Martin, and continues to do a good job of making his impression.

"Coach Grant is a quality guy," Jones said of the Tide. "He preaches character and showed that last year when he benched those starters and actually put one or two off the team. As a person he thinks Jarell would fit well with the type of student athletes he is trying to bring to Alabama. Coach Grant has been recruiting him a while and is someone he has a lot of respect for."

He continued, "At this point Jarell has yet to visit Alabama, but that is something he is trying to do. With Alabama's up tempo style it might be a natural fit for Jarell and he is selling that."

Also the UCLA Bruins are making Martin a top priority and continue to stay in the mix.

"They've offered, and they have made it clear he is a top priority from what they say," said Jones. "It is far away from home, but Jarell doesn't care about being away from home. He just wants to go to the best situation for him."

For now the No. 12 prospect in the country continues to take things slow, but is forming his list.